50th Anniversary of Memorial Park for Former Clark County 4-H Youth Agent

Friday, June 10th, 2022 -- 11:01 AM

A 4-H and youth educational group and camping facility donated in honor of a former Clark County 4-H Youth Agent is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

Joe Pietrek Jr., the only son of Joe Sr. and Emily Pietrek, was an active 4-H Club member in Trempealeau County. He then went on to become the University of Wisconsin Extension 4-H and Youth Agent in Clark County where he served there 11 years.

On December 10th of 1970, Joe Pietrek Jr. died in service to Extension when he was killed at age 35 in a two vehicle accident near Neillsville on his way from a 4H meeting. After his death, in the summer of 1971, Joe Sr. and Emily Pietrek contacted Ray Shanklin, the Trempealeau County 4-H and Youth Agent, to offer 100 acres to the county.

Joe had asked his parents to set aside this land for him for hunting and enjoying the outdoors. Mr. Shanklin saw the potential of this land as a permanent 4-H and Youth educational group camping facility.

This year marks the 50th Anniversary of the park, which is still enjoyed by 4H groups; it is the spot for all our camps. There will be a celebration at the park on September 24th.

If you’d like to learn more about the celebration or share a store of Joe, please contact Melissa Kono at 715-538-2311, ext. 209 or [email protected]. 

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.